Indonesia

West Sumba

More populated than the East, West Sumba is known for its beautiful, vernacular architecture and megalithic culture, as well for its green landscape dotted with waterfalls and populated by abundant birdlife. The capital city, Waikabubak, is a lively town where in the market you can find beautiful textiles of which the area is known for. South of town, you will find the heart of Marabu animist culture in the different traditional villages nestled on the hills.

From Tarung to the Anakalang and Galubakul villages, discover Sumba’s impressive funerary monuments and fall under the charm of the engravings and dolmen decorations. Take the scenic road south of Waikabubak and assist at a spectacular Pasola ceremony in Wanukaka or in the beach villages in the west, when hundreds of fighters divided in teams perform with weapons on decorated horses. Continue your spiritual journey in Waigali, where local sculptors capture the spirit of ancient traditions in their craftwork. Climb up to the village of Sodan, one of Marabu’s oldest and most important spiritual centres or head to Praigoli where you willdiscover the delicate patterns on one of the island’s most beautiful engraved funerary stones.

Don’t forget your binoculars as the Manurara forests and Manupeo National Park are home to a rich bird biodiversity among which the rainbow bee eater, the golden oriole and a variety of species of doves and parrots reside. You will be surprised to spot many endemic species such as the Sumba hornbill, apricot breasted sunbird and the Sumba flycatcher. From the Waijeva to the Kodi region, you’ll find beautiful landscapes as you cross fertile lands carpeted with rice fields, vanilla crops, areca nut, cassava, cashew and teak plantations.

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Travel Tip #58

Medittereaneo is an excellent Italian restaurant in the sleep harbour town of Labuan Bajo, Flores.

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